ATA Position Statement on Crossbows

The ATA believes that crossbows are viable shooting and hunting equipment that provide opportunity for a segment of America’s hunters and recreational shooters. As a result of the Pittman Robertson act, crossbows are subject to the Federal excise tax and thus, are considered archery equipment by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the state wildlife agencies.

The ATA leaves the seasons and regulations governing the use of crossbows for hunting to each state wildlife agency. ATA believes that when populations of wildlife, like deer, are overabundant, state agencies should make use of every type of hunting equipment to help control and manage those populations.

June 26, 2008